Spy Shots: New BMW M135i with 320HP 3.0-liter Turbocharged Six

[AVANTI R5]

Earlier this week, BMW blew the covers off the first models of its new M Performance sub-brand, namely the M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. But that's only the beginning as the German firm plans to expand the range to include if not all, most of its models including the 1-Series five-door hatchback, a prototype of which our scoop photographers caught while testing in Europe (albeit with a fake 118i moniker on the tailgate).
So far, the most powerful model of the new 1-Series hatch is the recently announced 125i sporting a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that puts out 218bhp and 310Nm (228 lb-ft) propelling the five-door model to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.4 seconds and on to a maximum velocity of 245 km/h (152mph).
According to our sources, the M Performance version of the 1-Series 5d will be named M135i and will be powered by the same N55 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine with twin blowers found in the 6-Series models such as the new Grand Coupe 640i. This means it will produce at least 320-horsepower and 450Nm (331.9 lb-ft).
We don't know yet if the BMW will get a rear-wheel drive setup or if, like the first examples of the M Performance range, an xDrive all-wheel drive system, but the grunt will be transferred to the road through a six-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission.
The prototype seen here was fitted with a new body kit similar in appearance to the 1-Series Performance Concept car displayed at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
BMW M's engineers will also make changes to the M135i's suspension and steering wheel settings along with the addition of more powerful brakes to improve its dynamics and handling.
The new M135i could make its global debut as early as this March at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/01...%28CARSCOOP%29

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[nhat]

no more pregnant cat belly? plus

5 doors? plus

rear hatch looking no different than a VW? minus

[Moof]

GOD DAMMIT BMW.

If you don't send this to North America, I will hunt down and steal your cat.

[cbrando68]

Originally Posted by Moof

GOD DAMMIT BMW.

If you don't send this to North America, I will hunt down and steal your cat.

...and punt your dachshund into the pool!

[legav05]

So what's the point of this vs a 1 M? Looks like they are just segment stuffing at this point, probably signals a downtrend in what makes BMW BMW..

Reminds me of the guy I saw in my town with a base 3 series covered in M logos and license plates. Guy is ahead of the curve..

[4wdwrx]

Nice. Why won't they bring the hatch 1 series to the US.

[Len]

Originally Posted by nhat

no more pregnant cat belly? plus

5 doors? plus

rear hatch looking no different than a VW? minus

Well... I'll gladly take the cat belly over the hilariously ugly headlights of the new 1er.

[WRXHillClimb]

Originally Posted by legav05

So what's the point of this vs a 1 M? Looks like they are just segment stuffing at this point, probably signals a downtrend in what makes BMW BMW..

Reminds me of the guy I saw in my town with a base 3 series covered in M logos and license plates. Guy is ahead of the curve..

BMW has had M wagons of basically every small car platform they have made, just because they either werent brought to the US or are very rare here doesnt mean they didnt make them :P. No delusion found.

[BlaineWasHere]

AMERICANS WILL BUY A SPORTY RWD HATCH!!!



















at least this one will.

[ejicon]

I'll wait for someone to post the Family Guy long red car picture.

[NoahFex]

It doesn't look too bad, I've always been of fan of the early 2000s M Coupe. Maybe they will shorten this one to be a new version of the M Coupe

[Calamity Jesus]

Originally Posted by cbrando68

...and punt your dachshund into the pool!

Haben Sie schon einmal so wütend, dass sie dackelpunted?

Have you ever been so mad, you dachshund-punted?

[edkwon]

Originally Posted by NoahFex

It doesn't look too bad, I've always been of fan of the early 2000s M Coupe. Maybe they will shorten this one to be a new version of the M Coupe

I'd rather have an M coupe based off the current Z4, thanks.